Have problem downloading your Autodesk products?

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Autodesk has changed download method for 2014 product trial. Some products only have ‘install now’ option. You can’t download the installer media and install it on several machines. If you need to install it on 5 machines, then you need to download it 5 times. This actually make sense. If you want to try a software, then you will install it on one machine or two. Not on a dozen of computers. Install now will only download necessary files, not the whole installation media.

For example, you want to install AutoCAD 2014 64Bit. Using install now method will only download 64Bit files, with necessary prerequisites and components. Let’s say you already have necessary prerequisites installed. You already have materials library installed. This option will not download those files during installation.

It sounds ideal, isn’t it? Probably in a perfect world. However, many have problem using this method.

Another issue that you should aware in media delivery: some suites physical media doesn’t have 32Bit inside. Check the product list here.

32Bit is supported (not all products – see your software system requirement), but the physical media only have 64Bit inside it. You need to download the 32Bit media. If you need to install it on several machines, install now obviously not a good option.

Let’s explore all download options so you can choose what’s best you.

Download methods explained

Is there any other method we can use, if the install now option doesn’t work?

Certainly. Autodesk has 3 methods: download now, browser download and install now. You can choose which method you want to use in subscription center.

My favorite option is browser download, the traditional method. It is so far the most reliable for me. I use download manager software, so I can continue the download anytime. It allows me to control the bandwidth usage as well.

See the differences between those download methods here.

Unfortunately, if you are not on subscription your option is limited. As I mentioned before, free trial page only have install now option.

Download using virtual agent

There is one more place you can download your media: you can use virtual agent.

Go to Autodesk customer service page here. Find the virtual agent link as shown below. Click the ask button.

You will see a pop-up window. If you don’t see it, check your internet browser pop-up blocker.

If you want to download new product, click ‘Downloading New/Updated products’.

The only method offered by virtual agent is browser download.

Downloading older version in virtual agent

Subscription customer don’t have to worry about this. They can download it from subscription center. But what if you are not on subscription? If you lost your installation media, can you download the older version?

You can also download older media from virtual agent. Click ‘Downloading and Installation’ to find your media. However, it only offer 3 versions older than current. Now we have 2014 products, so you can only download 2013, 2012 and 2011.

About Edwin Prakoso

I work as a Solution Consultant in Datech Solutions, Tech Data Indonesia. I've been using AutoCAD since R14 and Revit since Revit Building 9. I occasionally write for AUGIWorld magazine and I am also active in Autodesk discussion forum. I'm a member of Autodesk Expert Elite, an appreciation for individuals who give contributions to the Autodesk community.
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